Summary (tl;dr)

Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming season of "The Bachelorette" has been cancelled by ABC just days before its premiere following the public release of a 2023 video by TMZ depicting her engaged in domestic violence against her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, with a child present.

Essential Background

Taylor Frankie Paul gained prominence as a TikTok influencer and a star on the Hulu reality series "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." In February 2023, Paul was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to aggravated assault stemming from a domestic disturbance with her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, during which a child was reportedly injured. This incident was even featured, including police bodycam footage, in the premiere episode of "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives". She was recently announced as the lead for the 22nd season of "The Bachelorette," a decision that garnered attention given her past controversies, including a "soft-swinging" scandal in 2022.

The Full Story

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, TMZ released a video from the 2023 domestic incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. The footage shows Paul physically assaulting Mortensen, including kicking him and throwing metal chairs, with her young child present, who was reportedly struck during the altercation. In response to the video's surfacing, Disney Entertainment, the parent company of ABC and Hulu, announced the immediate cancellation of Paul's "Bachelorette" season, which was scheduled to debut on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Additionally, filming for the fifth season of "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" has been paused. This cancellation comes amidst an ongoing domestic assault investigation from February 2026 involving both Paul and Mortensen, with authorities noting that "allegations have been made in both directions". Mortensen has also recently filed for a protection order against Paul and is seeking temporary custody of their son.

Why It Matters

The cancellation of "The Bachelorette" season featuring Taylor Frankie Paul highlights the entertainment industry's evolving response to public allegations and evidence of domestic violence, particularly when a celebrity is involved. The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibility of reality television networks in vetting their stars and the potential consequences of casting individuals with documented histories of violence. While ABC was reportedly aware of Paul's 2023 arrest and even incorporated it into her previous reality show, the public release of explicit video footage by TMZ appears to have been the decisive factor in pulling "The Bachelorette". This event underscores the power of media exposure and public scrutiny in influencing corporate decisions and raising awareness about domestic violence. Paul, through her representative, has since issued a statement expressing gratitude for ABC's support and indicating her intention to "face her accuser" after allegedly enduring years of abuse and threats.

Geographic Location

• Salt Lake County, Utah, United States (Paul's 2023 arrest and legal proceedings)
• Draper City, Utah, United States (ongoing domestic assault investigation from February 2026)